WNAMM07: Pro Tools Gets Analog Tape Emulation

Digidesign has announced Reel Tape Suite, a set of analog tape emulation plug-ins that aim to re-create the warmth of analog tape recordings and tape effects in digital recordings or live audio. Digidesign say that Reel Tape Suite, which operates as an AudioSuite, TDM, and RTAS plug-in, brings the vintage sound of analog gear to digital audio while providing all the advantages of todayâ€™s state-of-the-art digital effects processors.
Digidesign General Manager Dave Lebolt told us, â€œThe ICON/Pro Tools product family offers world-class creative options for mix automation, control, editing, and composition. A new challenge that weâ€™re very interested in is technology that enables mixers to achieve convincing and desirable â€˜analog colorationâ€™ within our system. The Reel Tape Suite plug-ins embody the warmth and vibe that analog tape imparts to audio signals. They represent an ideal introduction to a new palette of options weâ€™re developing to deliver this sought-after, essential â€˜analog characterâ€™ in the digital domain.â€�
Reel Tape Suite features three plug-ins: Reel Tape Saturation, Reel Tape Delay, and Reel Tape Flanger. Reel Tape Saturation, which will also be offered apart from the suite, simulates analog tape saturation effects by modeling analog tape machine and tape formulation characteristics. Reel Tape Delay simulates classic tape echo effects while providing precise control over regenerating echoes. And Reel Tape Flanger simulates tape machine flanging effects.
Danny Caccavo, Digidesign product manager had this to say, â€œReel Tape Saturation is the â€˜missing linkâ€™ between analog recording and digital recording. Its tape saturation doesnâ€™t sound like a compressor or a distortion device - it warms up digital recordings in a very familiar and musical way. Reel Tape Delay is great because it just works - you put it on and youâ€™re done. Thereâ€™s no need to tweak the sound of the delay to make it fit. You can also perform great dub-style tape regenerating feedback while varying the speed. And with Reel Tape Flanger, you can even manually perform flanges or automatic double tracking (ADT) effects on vocals, guitars, or even sections of the entire mix.â€�
Each Reel Tape Suite plug-in offers a full range of controls to fine-tune the character of the effects. Select from the response characteristics of three different tape recorders and two different tape formulations. Alter the tape speed or feedback level and the bass and treble feedback response of the Reel Tape Delay. Adjust the LFO rate and depth, wow and flutter, and delay time of the Reel Tape Flanger. And dial in the drive, noise, tape machine bias, and level calibration of the Reel Tape Saturation for just the right result.Pricing and Availability:
Digidesign Reel Tape Suite will be available soon for USD $495.
Reel Tape Saturation will be available soon for USD $295.More information: